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The Village of Bluffton Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Bluffton Soccer Club and The Bluffton Lions Club, has initiated a community project to develop a new recreational space. This project will include seven soccer fields, thanks in part to land donated by SRK, an inclusive playground for children of all abilities, a one-mile walking path, and a shelter house.

The new park will also address the community's desire for more open green spaces, as indicated in the Village's recent survey. The yet-to-be-named park is located on Snider Road, adjacent to SRK and behind Bluffton Community Church. 

The community is invited to submit name suggestions for the new park as part of this initiative. Suggestions can be submitted online and will be reviewed by a committee consisting of members from the village, the Bluffton Soccer Club and The Bluffton Lions Club. Submissions will be accepted from February 10-23 by clicking HERE.

“This project is a perfect example of how Bluffton finds a way to bring big ideas to life," says Jesse Blackburn, Village Administrator. “This truly is a community effort, so it is fitting that the community get to help name the park."

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Bluffton University has named Ryan Turner as its next head golf coach. 

Turner brings more than 16 years of experience in the golf industry, coaching and teaching students from diverse backgrounds. Turner brings extensive knowledge of NCAA rules, regulations and recruiting strategies.

The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12 at the Sportsmen's Club in Buckeye Park. 

There will be a review of the society's first Show and Tell event, which occurred in mid January, as well as additional 2025 planning--including developing opportunities with the Sportsmen's Club building.

Will host Wayne Trace in 1st round

By Cort Reynolds

The Bluffton High School boys basketball team was seeded third in the tough Elida Northwest 4 Div. VI sectional drawing Sunday, February 9.

Third seed Bluffton (12-7) hosts fifth seed Wayne Trace (11-8) Friday, February 21.

The Pirates meet the survivor of sixth seed Ada (13-7) vs. top seed Lima Central Catholic (13-6) Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7:15 p.m. at Elida in the district semifinals.

The Elida district finals are Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. 

By Cort Reynolds

LIMA – The Bluffton High School swim squads qualified seven swimmers and four relay teams to the district meet with strong showings in the Div. II sectionals at the Lima YMCA on February 8.

Pirate junior Jackson Bowlus won the boys 50-yard freestyle (22.12), and he also captured first in the 100 backstroke (54.64).

Junior Jenna Downey touched second in the 100 butterfly (62.8), and came in fourth in the 50 freestyle (25.39).

Senior Xavier Diller took fourth in the 100 butterfly (57.2).

Provided by Bluffton High School

Bluffton High School proudly recognizes Carter Hohenbrink, son of Craig and Amanda Hohenbrink of Columbus Grove, as the Student of the Month for January 2025. 

Carter, a senior with an impressive 4.000 GPA, has a distinguished academic record. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has been enrolled in various CCP courses with Bluffton University, the University of Findlay, and Rhodes State College during his time at BHS. 

Beyond academics, Hohenbrink is an accomplished athlete, serving as a four-year member of the basketball team and contributing to the NWC Sportsmanship Committee. In this role, he helps promote respect, fair play, and courtesy among student-athletes across Ohio. His outstanding balance of athletics and academics has earned him recognition as an NWC Scholar Athlete and a recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Merit Scholarship, which is awarded to high school seniors graduating in the top five percent of their class.

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